U.S. Raised the Flag in Puerto Rico
October 18, 1898
Puerto Ricans had reached their goal of independence from Spain just a year before the United States arrived. Puerto Ricans gained full U.S. citizenship in 1917, when the island became a U.S. territory. Much of the population moved from rural areas to the cities, as the importance of industry grew. Starting in the 1920s, Puerto Ricans began traveling to cities such as New York looking for employment.

Currently, the future of Puerto Rico is hotly debated. Will it become a state? Gain independence? Remain a commonwealth? What do you think is the best option for Puerto Rico?